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US to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing Amid Government Shutdown

2025-10-31

The BareStory

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, ending a pause that has lasted for about 30 years. The directive was announced on October 30, 2025.

The president’s order specified that testing should proceed on an "equal basis" with the programs of other countries, according to one summary. A nuclear expert warned that other nations may follow suit if the United States restarts its testing program.

This development occurs during an ongoing government shutdown that has led to furloughed federal workers. In a separate matter, a judge ruled that an attempt by the president to suspend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was unlawful.

The ruling came as SNAP benefits are set to expire, which is expected to affect over 40 million Americans. A furloughed FAA employee described the shutdown as "really painful," while the CEO of the hunger-relief organization Citymeals on Wheels called the situation "devastating" for food-insecure individuals. Negotiations concerning the benefits were reportedly ongoing.

Left Perspective

  • The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant hardship for federal employees and their families.
  • A judicial ruling has challenged the administration's attempt to suspend food assistance funding.
  • Experts warn of a devastating impact on food-insecure individuals if benefits are not continued.

Right Perspective

  • The president has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapons testing after a long pause.
  • The order aims to place the U.S. testing program on par with those of other nations.
  • A nuclear expert warns that the policy could prompt other countries to resume testing.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Over 40 million Americans face losing food assistance as SNAP benefits are set to expire, a situation one relief expert described as "devastating."

• Furloughed federal employees are experiencing financial hardship, and the government shutdown may disrupt public services such as those from the FAA.

• The decision to resume nuclear testing could prompt other nations to do the same, which an expert suggests might alter international security policy.

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